My parents were fairly strict. The expectations were high and there were always consequences. I was raised to respect my parents. My parents were financially comfortable, but we only got toys at Christmas and our birthday - and then not a lot. I did chores and received an allowance for it. My parents built their life around us. My dad was home every single night. My mom read to us, played games with us and was genuinely interested in our activities. They always presented a united front. I got spanked if I deserved it. When I got older, I was grounded if I deserved it.

I believe that I have had a successful life because of the way I was raised. I wish parents today would go back to that instead of giving their kids everything except their time.